Story County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Iowa
The population of Story County, Iowa is 98,592 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $69,006, the median home value is $243,600, and the median age is 27.0.
The population of Story County has grown 14.3% since 2010 (89,661 → 102,498), a +0.96% annualized rate.
98,592
Population
+0.96%
Annual growth
172
People / sq mi
$69,006
Median Income
$243,600
Median Home Value
Story County covers 573 sq mi of land at 172.2 people per square mile.
About Story County, IA
Story County is a county in Iowa with a population of 98,592. It ranks #9 among counties in Iowa by population. The median age is 27.0, younger than the national median. The population is 52.2% male and 47.8% female.
The median household income in Story County is $69,006, below the US median of $74,580. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $243,600, with monthly rent averaging $1,019. The homeownership rate of 56.0% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Story County reflects 53.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.2 minutes each way.
Story County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Story County had a population of 89,661 in 2010 and 102,498 in 2024, a 14.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 102,498 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.96%.
102,498
Population (2024)
89,661
Population (2010)
102,498
Peak (2024)
0.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 89,661 |
| 2011 | 91,164 |
| 2012 | 92,046 |
| 2013 | 93,938 |
| 2014 | 95,894 |
| 2015 | 96,744 |
| 2016 | 97,012 |
| 2017 | 97,335 |
| 2018 | 96,749 |
| 2019 | 97,441 |
| 2020 | 98,651 |
| 2021 | 99,683 |
| 2022 | 99,995 |
| 2023 | 101,501 |
| 2024 | 102,498 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.8% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
27.0
Median Age
47.8%
Female
52.2%
Male
12.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.7% · Seniors (65+): 12.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,006$-4,141 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,068 |
| Per-capita income | $37,933 |
| Poverty rate | 5.1%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Story County is professional & business services, accounting for 35.3% of workers.
How residents commute
4.0%
Drive alone
5.7%
Carpool
70.8%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
18.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$243,600+$47,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,019
Median rent
56.0%
Homeownership rate
41,642
Total housing units
93.0%
Occupied
7.0%
Vacant
44.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
96.6%
With broadband internet
29.4%
Foreign-born
4.4%
Veterans (18+)
9.2%
With a disability
89.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
97.1%
High School+
53.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Story County, Iowa has a population of 98,592 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 172 people per square mile.
The population of Story County has grown 14.3% since 2010 (89,661 → 102,498), a +0.96% annualized rate.
The median household income in Story County, Iowa is $69,006, with mean (average) household income of $95,068 and per-capita income of $37,933. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Story County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.8%), Black or African American (2.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Story County, Iowa is 27.0 years. Residents are 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
The median home value in Story County is $243,600 and median monthly rent is $1,019. 56.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 41,642 total housing units, 7.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Story County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 35.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Story County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
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Statewide data for Iowa
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.